Tenmoku
An iron-saturate glaze producing deep brown-black surfaces with characteristic amber highlights where the glaze runs thin — on rims, edges, and texture breaks. Named after Mount Tianmu in China, where the glaze was first developed during the Song dynasty.
Recipe
A starting-point recipe for cone 10 reduction. Adjust iron oxide percentage for lighter or darker results.
| Material | % |
|---|---|
| Feldspar (Custer) | 44 |
| Whiting | 18 |
| Silica (flint) | 22 |
| EPK Kaolin | 8 |
| Red iron oxide | 8 |
Firing
Fire to cone 10 (1285 °C / 2345 °F) in a reduction atmosphere. Reduction should begin around cone 010 and be maintained through the firing. Cool slowly for best crystal development in the glaze surface.
Notes
Tenmoku is highly sensitive to thickness. Apply thicker on the body where you want deep black, and leave thinner at the rim for the amber "hare's fur" effect. This glaze runs — leave the bottom 1 cm unglazed and use a catch tray.
Variations: adding 2% bone ash produces a more matte surface. Substituting some iron oxide with manganese dioxide gives purple-brown tones.
Test Tiles
Photos of test tiles will be added here.